Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Correlation Between CHA₂DS₂-VASc Scores and Left Atrial Measurements: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Haluk Furkan Sahan1, Sadik Acikel2, Nurcan Ertan3
1Etlik City Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkiye.
Insights
The CHA2DS2-VASc score correlates with left atrial and left atrial appendage dimensions in patients with sinus rhythm. Lower scores indicate smaller atrial and appendage measurements, suggesting potential for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling are key indicators of cardiovascular events.
- These changes are associated with various cardiovascular risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and LA/LAA measurements in patients with sinus rhythm.
- To explore the utility of CHA2DS2-VASc scores in assessing atrial cardiomyopathy and LAA remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, single-center study of 250 patients.
- Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) used for imaging.
- Assessment of LA dimensions, volumes, LAA types, orifice area, and volume; CHA2DS2-VASc scores and risk factors were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Patients with lower CHA2DS2-VASc scores exhibited smaller LAA orifice area, LA long and short diameters, and LA volume.
- Significant correlations were found between patient age and all LA and LAA measurements, including LAA volume and orifice area.
Conclusions:
- CHA2DS2-VASc scores and cardiovascular risk factors are valuable for assessing atrial cardiomyopathy and LAA remodeling.
- These markers may assist in predicting stroke risk in patients with sinus rhythm.
Background:
Left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling are critical indicators of adverse cardiovascular outcomes linked to various risk factors. This study aims to investigate the correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc and left atrial measurements in patients with sinus rhythm.
Methodology:
The retrospective, single-center study included 250 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) imaging at a state hospital in Turkey. LA dimensions, volumes, LAA types, and LAA orifice area and volume were assessed using CCTA images. Additionally, we evaluated CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results:
This present study indicated that patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores had smaller appendage orifice area (270.69±84.72 vs. 300.97±97.65 mm2, p=0.01), LA long diameter (60.73±6.83 vs. 64.53±7.66 mm, p<0.001), LA short diameter (40.32±5.88 vs. 43.02±6.54 mm, p=0.001), and LA volume (101.55±34.14 vs. 114.34±32.58 mm3, p=0.003). There was a significant relationship between patient age and all LA and LAA measurements, including LAA volume (r=0.204, p<0.001), LAA orifice area (r=0.342, p<0.001), LA long diameter (r=0.329, p<0.001), LA short diameter (r=0.257, p<0.001), and LA volume (r=0.231, p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Cardiovascular risk factors and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores are valuable markers for assessing atrial cardiomyopathy and left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling, and they may aid in predicting stroke risk.
